Finn Allen joins Melbourne Stars for BBL

Melbourne

New Zealand power-hitter Finn Allen has joined Melbourne Stars for the 2026-27 Big Bash League season, adding further strength to a batting line-up that includes Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. The new BBL season will begin on December 12, with Melbourne Renegades facing Perth Scorchers in the opening match.

Allen was the leading run-scorer in BBL 15, scoring 466 runs at an average of 42.36 for Perth Scorchers. The 27-year-old said he was excited to move to Melbourne and play for the Stars at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“The Stars are a powerhouse team in this competition, so it’s going to be a lot of fun playing for them,” Allen said. He added that playing at the MCG as his new home ground was especially exciting and that he was looking forward to being part of the club’s growing fanbase.

Allen has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 across T20 cricket. He smashed 101 off 53 balls for the Scorchers earlier this year and later hit the fastest century in World Cup history, reaching his hundred from just 33 balls during New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa. He continued his impressive form in the Indian Premier League, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders.

The New Zealand opener has played 62 T20 internationals and most recently represented San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket, where he worked under new Melbourne Stars head coach Cameron White. His flexible contract with New Zealand Cricket allows him to play in international T20 leagues while remaining available for national selection.

Under updated BBL signing rules, the Stars can directly sign up to three overseas players this season because the Overseas Player Draft is not being held. Allen becomes the 12th player signed by Melbourne Stars for BBL 16, leaving six spots available in their squad.